free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 10/20/12
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October 2012

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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on October 20, 2012?

53 free events take place on Saturday, October 20 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out October 20 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of October . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

53 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, October 20, 2012

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Health and Race Walking


Enjoy views of the Park's landscapes as you get fit. Coach Lon Wilson of the New York Walkers Club leads walks at a moderate to brisk pace over mostly flat surfaces. Wear comfortable sneakers! Ages 18+.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 am
Free

Other | Tatzu Nishi: Discovering Columbus: Visit the Famous Statue Up Close and 70 Feet in the Air


This major new artwork has been created by the Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi. The work places the 13-foot-tall statue of Columbus in the center of an American living room six stories above the city streets, recontextualizing the historical monument and temporarily transforming it into a contemporary artwork. The room will feature many of the trappings of a domestic living room—lamps, a couch, a coffee table, a television, and more—as well as custom wallpaper by the artist. Through large, loft-style windows, visitors will have dramatic views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan that will be seen from Columbus’s perspective for the first time. Pass holders are asked to climb six flights of stairs to a height of 70 feet above street level and to descend by a second set of stairs. Flat, rubber-soled shoes are strongly recommended. This exhibition is ADA accessible. If a visitor requires the use of a mobility device (e.g. wheelchair, crutches, or a cane) or has a condition that prevents him or her from using the stairs, a hoist is available. Visitors under 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those between the ages of 13 and 18 may visit without an adult, however a parent or guardian must obtain a pass for them. Given the physical demands of visiting the exhibition, it is not recommended for children under the age of 5. Strollers are not permitted.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

City Walk | All-in-One Downtown Tour


This tour utilizes your feet and the New York City Subway* to transport you from Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of New York, through Wall St and the Financial District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan. There will be ample opportunities for memorable pictures. You'll get the chance to savor NY's best pizza and cannoli and other treats, learn how to play NY handball, maybe bargain with a shopkeeper in Chinatown, observe a game of street chess in Greenwich Village, people watch and window shop in SoHo, and kick back on the Highline Park. Along the way, you'll master the subway and learn about New York's Finest!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Brooklyn Heights/Brooklyn Bridge Tour


Known as America's first suburb, Brooklyn Heights is truly a gem. Travel and Leisure named it one of America's top 10 most beautiful neighborhoods, and its beauty is rivaled only by its place in American history. These quaint, tree-lined streets have been the sites of Revolutionary War battles, abolitionist activism and have inspired numerous novelists. Visit a stop on the Underground Railroad, or the home of Truman Capote, where he penned Breakfast at Tiffany's and where Jackie Robinson signed with the Dodgers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Drawing in the Park


Sketch and paint the Hudson River and neighboring parks with an artist/educator. Materials provided. For adults.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

City Walk | SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Tour


You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | “The Castle and its Kingdom” Tour


Take a walk around the lands dominated by the Castle, situated high on Vista Rock. Visit the tiny 55-acre realm on an eclectic tour of history and nature. Tour is approximately one hour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

Birdwatching | Birdwatching in the City


Join a birder/naturalist to learn about the birds that nest and rest in the parks. Along with familiar birds, like the American Robin, Catbird, Mockingbird, and a variety of Sparrows, birders will seek out migrating Warblers, Finches, Brant Geese, and perhaps the more uncommon Hummingbird, Hawk, and Heron. Binoculars and field guides available. Novice and experienced birders welcome. Binoculars and field guides for adults and children are available on loan. Novice and experienced birders welcome.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$6

Workshop | Chess Clinic


Analyze an instructional game with Women’s FIDE Master Laura Ross for new tactical insights, then pit your newly acquired skills against other players of your level tournament-style. Recommended for ages 6+. Boards and pieces are available to borrow for anyone who wishes to play.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Park Walk | Garden Tour


Experience the Park's only formal garden with the Garden staff. See exuberant perennial and annual beds, and delight in an abundance of color and fragrance while learning about the Garden's history and design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Festival | Super Sabado!: Dia de los Muertos Celebration


Join a special Super Sábado and celebrate Mexico’s beloved 3,000 year-old tradition that commemorates friends and relatives who have passed away.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Fair | The Chelsea Bazaar


The Chelsea Bazaar will be a one-day fair. Participating vendors will be locals from the area who include Vaute Couture, DNAinfo New York, Bitter & Esters, Suds & the City Soap, Unlock a Secret, Divine Destiny Accessories, and many more to be announced.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Book Discussion | Book Club: Paris, I Love You, But You’re Bringing Me Down by Rosecrans Baldwin


Join the travel-writing book group for a discussion of Rosencrans Baldwin’s “book about a young man finding his preconceptions replaced by the oddities of a vigorous, nervy city—which is just what he needs to fall in love with Paris for the second time.”
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Park Walk | Foraging in the Park


With naturalist/author "Wildman" Steve Brill. Brill will lead one of his world-famous foraging tours of the Park. A great abundance of edible and medicinal wild plants and mushrooms makes this park a great place for foraging in the fall.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:45 am
$20 suggested donation...

Concert | 11th Annual Mountain Stage NewSong Contest


12:00 - 2:00 PM (Semi-final Round) 7:00 - 9:00 PM (Award Round) Now in its 11th year, the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest is one of North America’s premier showcases of emerging performers and songwriters, and spans an array of genres.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Film | Gil Kenan's Oscar-Nominated Monster House (2006): Animated Adventure


Three teens discover that their neighbor's house is really a living, breathing, scary monster. 91 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:15 pm
Free

Concert | Piano and Voice Works by Debussy, Schubert and Brahms


Program: Schubert Fantasie in f minor, D. 940 Debussy 6 Epigraphs Antiques Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op. 52 Featuring pianists Marie Blair and Jeremy Rafal, with special guests: Erin Young, soprano Monica Hershenon Thuris, alto Matthew Walters-Bowens, tenor Jay Aubrey Jones, baritone NOTE: There is a 60-people maximum capacity at the hall. Please arrive early and RSVP, as there might be a lot of people waiting in line to get in. After 60 people without an RSVP, you might be turned away.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Film | Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar-Nominated North by Northwest (1959): On the Run across America


Starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint & James Mason. A hapless New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive. 136 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$6

City Walk | Greenwich Village Food Tour


Greenwich Village is well-known for its shady, winding streets with 19th Century houses, for its bohemian roots and historic Washington Square Park. But the Village's tree-lined streets are also lined with some of the best restaurants and food specialty shops in all of the Big Apple. Just ask celebrity chefs of the Food Network, food critics from the New York Times and thousands of New Yorkers: Greenwich Village is THE place to find the best of every cuisine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Instant Shakespeare Company's The Life of Henry the Fifth


The Instant Shakespeare Company presents a reading.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Lower Manhattan Tour


It is here, as much as anywhere, where American history started. It's where the first US Congress assembled and produced the Bill of Rights and where President George Washington took his first oath of office. It's here where the world's most important stock exchange and one of the most famous bridges stand. And it is here where an unspeakable tragedy took place and where a rebirth is underway.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Northside Williamsburg & Greenpoint Walk


3+ miles, easy pace, level terrain. Ramble around Northside to see its many recent changes and rebuilt waterfront. Savor the scene in McCarren Park and visit the lovely small-scale London-style Monsignor McGolrick Park in Greenpoint. They might take a walk through Smorgasburg if it’s open. Steady rain cancels. CALL TO CONFIRM.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$3

Opera | New York Opera Forum performs Adriana Lecouvreur by Francesco Cilea


Adriana Lecouvreur is an opera in four acts by Francesco Cilea to an Italian libretto by Arturo Colautti, based on the 1849 play Adrienne Lecouvreur by Eugène Scribe and Ernest Legouvé. It was first performed on November 6, 1902 in Milan.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Block & Lot: Researching the Architecture and the Built Environment of NYC


Discover how you can use NYPL resources to examine the history of a block, neighborhood and or borough. In this class you will learn how to use the library's antiquarian maps, fire insurance atlases (“Sanborns”,) online property data, books and historic real estate photos to document the history of NYC’s built environment.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Children's Literary Salon: Bullying in Books for Youth


Join author Frieda Wishinsky (You're Mean Lily Jean), Susane Colasanti (Keep Holding On), Paul Grffin (Burning Blue), and a host of other authors as they delve deep into the topic of bullying and its presence in literature for children and teens.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Rupert Sanders' Snow White and the Huntsman (2012): Fairy Tale Rewrite


With Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth. Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman who was dispatched to kill her. 132 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Talk | Soda Fountain Favorites


A brief history on the rise of the soda fountains, focusing on their history in New York. Also a discussion on the stories behind three fountain favorites: the egg cream, Dr. Brown's Soda, and the Lime Rickey. Live demo on how to mix each drink, as well as a sample tasting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Theater | Stephen Belber's McReele, a Play About Redemption


Lila Acheson Playwright Program alumnus Stephen Belber's McReele examines the themes of truth and honesty in public and private life, faith in the judicial system, redemption from past disgrace, and the place of journalism in politics in this student production.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Union Square: Crossroads of New York


The tour explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community. You’ll hear how Union Square got its name, see where the legendary Tiffany & Co. once stood, and learn how to read the clock (yes, it’s a clock!) on “The Metronome” sculpture and so much more!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | “A Road Once Traveled” Tour


Holding the Park's northern highlands was key in the American Revolution and the War of 1812 because armies could see their enemies approach as they sailed down the East River. History buffs will love this tour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Theater | Hamlet by William Shakespeare, a Student Production


Prince Hamlet is adrift upon a sea of troubles: The King, his father, has been killed, his mother has married his uncle and that same uncle has seized the throne. Urged to vengeance by his father’s ghost, betrayed by his lover and spied upon by childhood friends, Hamlet struggles to regain control of his own destiny. And all the while the clouds of war gather on the horizon. This new streamlined adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy presents a young man wracked with grief, filled with rage and paralyzed by questions not only about the truth behind his father’s murder but about the very nature of life and death itself.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Reading | Bomb Shelter: Young Poets


Today’s hottest young poets, spoken word artists and musicians mix it up slam style through verse, rhyme and song.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Concert on Water


The concert is at the coolest classical music concerts location in New York City. Program and musicians TBA.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Film | James Wan's Insidious (2010): Evil in a Coma


A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. 103 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Film | Tae Kwon Do Workshop


Teaches the fundamentals of discipline, balance, health and wellness. -Get and Stay Fit -Weight Control -Promotes Self Awareness -Promotes Self Confidence
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Saturday Afternoon Organ Meditation


The program features the great repertoire of the Organ on the 101 rank Pipe Organ built by Herman Schlicker and the 5 stop chamber organ built by Taylor & Boody Organ Builders.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | Organ and Piano Works by Wagner and Others


Program: Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ for four hands & four feet plus organ and piano solos, duets and duos by Bach, Chopin, Fauré, Karg-Elert, Sousa, and Walton. With a Keyboard Trio from The Juilliard School featuring Raymond Nagem, Benjamin Sheen, Organists; and Michael Hey, Pianist.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Haunted, New Paintings by Kathie Olivas


An exhibition of new original paintings by multi-media artist Kathie Olivas. It is the artist's most ambitious body of work to date, and explores the evolution of her well-known Misery Children, who convey our discomfort with the unknown, and address society's insatiable desire for 'cuteness'. A dark rendition of early American portraiture set in post apocalyptic times, Olivas' paintings and custom toys are a satirical look at how fear affects our sense of reality.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Faculty Harp Recital


With harpist June Han.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Performance | Raha Raissnia & Aki Onda's As If Someone Erased Outlines, an Installation/Performance


ISSUE Project Room Artist-in-Residence Aki Onda and artist Raha Raissnia present an installation/performance As If Someone Erased Outlines. Onda and Raissnia, and guest musician Doron Sadja, perform with black oil paintings, film and slide projectors, tape recorders and tube amps and synthesizer. Projecting 16mm footage with 35mm slides onto a white wall and dark surface of oil paints, Raissnia creates a deepened sense of immersion in an alien landscape, while Onda's soundscape of field recordings challenge the boundaries of the picture plane, and explore the power of imagination. Visitors may enter and exit any time during the performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:08 pm
$10 suggested donation

Poetry Reading | American Poet Reading and Publication Launch


Contributors to the 43rd issue of American Poet, the journal of the Academy of American Poets, will read from their work. Light refreshments and complimentary copies of the journal will be available for attendees. Readers include D. Nurkse, Patricia Smith, and Craig Morgan Teicher.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Theater | Hamlet by William Shakespeare, a Student Production


Prince Hamlet is adrift upon a sea of troubles: The King, his father, has been killed, his mother has married his uncle and that same uncle has seized the throne. Urged to vengeance by his father’s ghost, betrayed by his lover and spied upon by childhood friends, Hamlet struggles to regain control of his own destiny. And all the while the clouds of war gather on the horizon. This new streamlined adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy presents a young man wracked with grief, filled with rage and paralyzed by questions not only about the truth behind his father’s murder but about the very nature of life and death itself.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Talk | On Municipal in Debt


With Ann Larson. Is your town experiencing a budget crisis? Is your city laying off workers and cutting services? If this is happening in your community, you are a debtor. Come and learn about municipal bonds, the favorite weapon of mafia capitalists everywhere!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Play Reading: Beneath the Hush, a Whisper by Abigail Somma


The Morningside Players will be presenting a staged reading of a new play, Beneath the Hush, a Whisper by Abigail Somma. 1957 - amid tense crisis at the U.N., a British diplomat struggles to protect his own secrets, while working closely with Sec. Gen Dag. Hammarskjold. Wine, cheese and discussion to follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
$8 suggested donation...

Performance | Comedy: Johnny Velvet and the Moonbeams Present Galactus


Johnny Velvet and the Moonbeams (Sean O’Reilly, Michelle Ciotta, Dylan Donahue, Keith Kingbay and Justin Lamb) return with a live show that will devour your world. The end is near and all new live sketches, videos and an improv set are your harbingers of doom. Prepare thyself! Prepare otherselfs! Prepare everyselfs!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
$5

Concert | New York Repertory Orchestra performs works by Prokofiev, Beethoven and Barber


Program: Prokofiev: Divertimento Barber: Cello Concerto Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 Soloist: Inbal Segev, cello
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Theater | Stephen Belber's McReele, a Play About Redemption


Lila Acheson Playwright Program alumnus Stephen Belber's McReele examines the themes of truth and honesty in public and private life, faith in the judicial system, redemption from past disgrace, and the place of journalism in politics in this student production.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Performance | Comedy: World’s Fair


World’s Fair is a monthly longform improv show that features longform improv of all schools of thought and culminates in a special cross-team closing ceremony. Each month features 3 teams working together to improvise and innovate!! Hosted by Sharif Ali and Kelly Ann Rockwell.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
$5

Performance | Comedy: Overload the Machine


OTM is New York City’s Premier Character comedy Show! Featuring the best comedians performing as characters.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 pm
$5

Concert | First Class, Hip-Hoppers


Comprised of rapper Dot The One, keyboardist/vocalist Justin Baron, singer Amjay, and producer Nana Kwabena Tuffuor, First Class is an immensely gifted hip-hop outfit with R&B leanings. Expect plenty of surprises, like Amjay segueing from high soprano vocal lines to killer beat box solos. Dot The One raps with effortless rhythmic command, featured prominently on the group’s recent release AV8TED.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 pm
No cover, no...

Performance | Comedy: Yes, Yes, Yes… And


Yes, Yes, Yes… And! is a scandalous night of down-right-sexy improv. Some of the PIT’s most incorrigible performers team up to turn down the lights, slip into something a little more comfortable, and spend the good part of an hour tickling your funny boners. Beware of partial nudity, strong sexual themes, and the possibility to be dragged on stage for a not-so-wholesome game of Truth or Dare. This show is NOT for the faint-of-heart.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:59 pm
$5
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Play | Drama with Broadway Actors

Regular Price: $77
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Choral Work by Haydn and More at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $59
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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